Toronto - early morning. Four buses and six trucks converge on the Air Canada Centre, arriving just before traffic gets messy on the busy Gardiner Expressway. The Hanger is still new and shiny; the staff is uniformed and helpful. Everyone is pitching in to get this show up and ready to go at 6 pm tonight. Unlike many of the other buildings on this tour most of the crew have never worked here before.

Toronto is the halfway point on the Canadian tour. Six shows are done and six shows are left. Alanis last played in Toronto on the small club tour that coincided with the November release of Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie. If you happen to miss the show tonight you'll have one more chance to see Alanis in Toronto this year. Alanis and Tori Amos play The Molson Ampitheatre on September 7th.

Today's Charity - Convenant House (Canada's largest youth shelter, offering help (shelter, food, clothing, medical care and counseling) to street kids between ages of 16 and 21 years).

 Here's the Air Canada Centre lineup:

Much Music (TV Appearance) 4:00 pm

Doors 6:00 pm
Esthero 7:00 pm
Crash Test Dummies 7:50 pm
Alanis 9:00 pm

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Local Toronto Shots

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Concert Review

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It is rare to find an artist that sounds as good in concert as they do on CD, but that is exactly what you can expect to find at an Alanis Morissette concert. Alanis put on a truly amazing show in Toronto in front of a sold-out arena of screaming fans. I was very impressed with the quality of her performance that kept the fans screaming for more.

 She opened the show with "Baba" and continued on with other songs from her latest album until she moved into a beautiful rendition of "Sympathetic Character" that held fans quietly captivated. Other songs such as "Hand in My pocket" and "You Learn" had the audience on their feet singing along with the music. After a great version of "Forgiven", Alanis introduced the band and asked the audience to join in singing "Happy Birthday" to her guitar player Nick Lashley who was celebrating his birthday tonight. Following that she continued on with an amazing show that included a beautiful piano solo by keyboard player Deron Johnson which lead into "Uninvited" and closed the main part of the show.

 Alanis and the band were then kind enough to favor the audience with 2 amazing encores that kept the fans on their feet singing along the entire time. It was truly a privilege to attend the concert of such an accomplished artist who gives her fans a show that will always be remembered. I was also lucky enough to meet briefly with Alanis prior to the show at the Alanis "Meet & Greet". Although it was very short I was very impressed with how friendly and outgoing she is. She said hello to everyone individually and shook hands and then put her arms around us for a picture that I will be proud to show to all my friends.

 Being able to stand in front of the stage and take pictures during the concert was another thrill for me as I got to see up close the inspiring amount of energy she puts into her performance. My thanks and gratitude go out to CANOE for drawing my name as the winner to attend this wonderful concert. It is something I will always remember!

-- Sara

Jane Stevenson (Toronto Sun):
Alanis plays the hits

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Concert Shots

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JAM! | Daily Music News | Alanis @ Maverick | Spring Tour Info